Motion graphics and animation software are used extensively in modern advertising, science, education, science, reference materials, entertainment, and other areas. Motion graphics allow users to communicate the main idea quickly, clearly, and effectively.
You can make your apps and websites more interesting by using informative videos or entertaining videos.
The sheer number of programs and software available for animation and motion graphics can be overwhelming to newbies. The best animation software is subjective. Each animator has its own preferences.
We've put together a list of the top animation software and best motion graphics software in order to assist newcomers to the field of animation and motion graphics. We believe that this list will allow you to choose the programs that work best for you, rather than answering the question "What software do animators use?"
What are the key aspects of motion graphic production?
A Salesforce Research survey found that 80 percent of customers believe the brand experience is as important as their products and services.
This means that you cannot just release any video and expect high engagement. A low-quality video could endanger your chances of making sales or gaining new customers.
High-end motion graphics combine many elements, including animation and music. It must be planned from the beginning for each step that we will describe.
Visual Style
Find examples of videos that you like to help establish the visual style for animators. You can also send the creators videos as a reference, or let them create an aesthetic from scratch.
Consider these visual styles if you are going to choose your own style for the animation:
Is the artwork cartoonish or realistic?
Are you looking for flat or three-dimensional?
Which color scheme will you choose?
Will the story include visual representations of the main characters (known as the "heroes")? Is it just text and art?
How will these characters look?
Is your target audience able to identify with this style?
What visual metaphors can you use to communicate key concepts in your message?
Writing scripts
Begin by sketching out the story. This will be used to create visual objects, movements, voice-overs, sound effects, and music.
Layout the main points, then write word-for-word what you want the narrator to say and the characters to do (voiced or text only).
Remember that videos are very short in time -- the shorter the better. A moderate pace of reading the script will give you an idea of the length of the video. You should be able to convey your message in:
That's amazing!
It is acceptable for 60 seconds;
This is the recommended maximum time.
Nancy Duarte, for example, uses a simple structure in order to create drama that keeps viewers engaged: she shows the current state of the world ("what is") and then contrasts it with your vision of the best way to do what you want ("what could be"). Below is her template:
Motion graphics story template
Story Template by Nancy Duarte
Next, paint a picture of the destination. Think of it like a postcard of the future you invite people to join.
It is important to realize that convenience and emotional appeal are key factors in moving viewers to take action. Behavior tends to follow the path of least resistance so make sure you are making it as easy as possible for people to take action.
Without clear instructions and emotional motivation, all the rational reasons for taking action will not be effective.
Storyboard
This is the first place you start creating visuals and sounds that match the script. Style frames are used to organize all the important moments of the script.
Sticky notes are a good idea to use as a starting point. Sketch the story at each crucial step.
Write down a brief description of the scene, including any narrations, sounds, or text on-screen at this time.
Sound (voice-overs, music, and sound effects)
Motion graphics can consist of animated text and a mood-setting song. Some animated characters can speak with custom sound effects and different voices.
You might need to buy a license to copyright songs or you could choose to have original music made for you.
Voice-over casting is similar to the selection of actors for a TV series. If you work with a full-service producer they will take a portion from your script and send it to voice actors who will then audition by recording the readings of your script.
One actor may be able to return as many as a dozen readings in different styles, by changing their intonation, mood, and cadence.
You will need to find freelance voice talent online if you are working on your own.
Animation
The pieces begin to fit together. The animators will usually attempt to animated one or two styles in the script using the established visual style.
This is a rough draft, and you can get feedback before the main animation work begins. It will help to reduce the need for lengthy revisions later.
The final animation phase will follow. The animation's final draft will be shown to the commissioner, which includes a voice-over. They can then make any minor adjustments.
Final timing, music, and sound effects will all be added after the animation has been completed.
What software can be used to create motion graphics?
To help creative thinkers and professionals improve the quality of their projects, we have compiled the top motion graphic software. Although there are many other tools available in the motion graphics industry, this is just a small selection of the most important to know in order to get better results.
Photoshop
Most people have heard the phrase "This looks photoshopped", which means that an image has had some editing or modifications. Adobe Photoshop is an easy-to-use, creative and versatile software that offers many features like:
Matte paintings;
Texturable editable
Design boards
Stitch images
GIF creator
Layout animations
Rotoscope
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is very similar to Photoshop. However, Photoshop works with bitmap editing. Illustrator, on the other hand, is a vector-image editing program (a file that can easily be scaled up without pixelating). Illustrator is the best tool for designing logos.
Illustrator can be integrated with Adobe After Effects. Its resources include:
Pixel-Perfect Designs
Snap Pixel
CSS Extractor Tool
Color synchronization
Dynamic symbols
Options for reshaping the path segment
Perspective drawing enhancements
Smart guides
Live shapes capability and many other things
Adobe After Effects
Adobe After Effects is the most essential software for motion graphics professionals. You can create modern and versatile projects using 2.5D animation.
After creating the storyboards in Illustrator or Photoshop, this software is often used. After animating your project with After Effects, export it to another editing program.
These features are included in the package:
Title animation
3D compositing
Motion tracking
Removal of objects
Simulation effects
Slideshow design
UX/UI design mockups;
Web design mockups;
Typography kinetic;
VFX.
Premiere Pro
Premiere Pro is used by most Motion Design studios. It is just as popular as its closest competitor. It's part of the Creative Cloud, and it looks just like the other software we have mentioned.
After you are done with After Effects, you have the option to use Final Cut Pro or Avid Media Composer for finishing your project.
Adobe has put great effort to bring After Effects and Premiere together in order to make it easier for motion designers. Some of the software's features are:
Simultaneous projects;
Motion graphics templates
Projects shared
VR editing
VR rotates sphere
VR audio editing;
Effects
Graphics and video titling
Transitions
Standards for regional closed captions
Labels
Lumetri Support;
Type tool
Multiple video types
Each project is formed from steps that must all be completed according to the previous phase. Working together can help you streamline your work by delegating responsibility for individual deliveries. As long as other elements are not involved, it is possible to reduce the risk of errors.
The ideation phase of a project must be completed first. However, voice-overs and the addition of selected songs can be performed separately.
It is possible to plan ahead for the distribution phase. You can use SEO elements (Search Engine Optimization) to increase the number of people who see your motion graphics project.
Last tip: Ask for help if needed. You might want to bring in reinforcements if you are feeling lost, if your team is having difficulty getting results, or if you feel insecure about making motion graphics,
Visually is the best content creator. We work with top talent to tell your story. Motion graphics creation is quick, easy, and cost-effective.